Webster's New World Medical Dictionary

Goodpasture syndrome
An autoimmune dis-
ease characterized by a combination of lung and
kidney disease. Hallmarks of the disease are pul-
monary hemorrhage (bleeding in the lungs) and
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Goodpasture syndrome
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glomerulonephritis (inflammation of the glomeru-
lus) due to severe inflammation in the basement
membranes of the alveolus of the lung and the
glomerulus in the kidney, with the formation of anti-
bodies to components of the basement membrane
at both sites. Symptoms include cough with bloody
sputum, bloody urine, decreased urine output,
fatigue (weakness), and weight loss. Hypertension
and swelling (edema) are also common findings on
physical examination. The syndrome is also referred
to as anti-glomerular basement membrane antibody
disease.
goose bumps
A temporary local change in the
skin that starts with a stimulus, such as cold or fear.
That stimulus causes a nerve discharge from the
sympathetic nervous system, which is part of the
autonomic nervous system. The nerve discharge
causes contraction of the hair erector muscle
(arrectores pilorum), elevating the hair follicles
above the rest of the skin. Also called cutis anserina,
goose flesh, and horripilation.
goose flesh
See 
goose bumps.
Gottron sign
A scaly, patchy redness over the
knuckles that is seen in patients with dermato-
myositis, an inflammatory muscle disorder. See also
polymyositis.
gout
A condition that is characterized by abnor-
mally elevated levels of uric acid in the blood, recur-
ring attacks of joint inflammation (arthritis),
deposits of hard lumps of uric acid in and around
the joints. It is sometimes associated with decreased
kidney function and kidney stones. Uric acid is a
breakdown product of purines, which are part of
many foods we eat. The tendency to develop gout
and elevated blood levels of uric acid (hyper-
uricemia) is often inherited, and it can be promoted
by obesity, weight gain, alcohol intake, high blood
pressure, abnormal kidney function, and certain
drugs. The most reliable diagnostic test for gout is
the identification of crystals in joints, body fluids,
and tissues. The treatment of an attack of gouty
arthritis includes taking measures to reduce inflam-
mation such as ice applications, resting the inflamed
joint, and anti-inflammatory medications. See also
gout, tophaceous; gouty arthritis; hyperuricemia.